The DASH Club. Annual Report

Transcription

1 The DASH Club Annual Report Working in Partnership with Project Ability, four young people of the DASH Club took part in Discover Arts Award workshops and were awarded their Discover Arts Award during a small awards ceremony!

2 The DASH CLUB Our Motto: - We aim to make a difference Our Mission: - To promote the physical and mental health of young people with additional support needs by the provision of sport, cultural and leisure activities.

3 This report was produced in April 2015 and covers the financial period from April 2014 March 2015 Content 1. The Board. 2. Project Manager 3. Development Officer Background Quality and Standards Care Inspectorate SSSC Training Achievements 6.1. Sport 6.2. Drama Art 6.4. Aromatherapy 7. The Team.. 8. Keep in Touch Thank you..

4 1. The Board Catherine Chow Chairperson Patricia Graham Vice Chairperson Isobell Hollis Treasurer Heather Reynolds Secretary Maureen Owens Board Member Kelly Mitchell Board Member Caroline Black Co opted Member

5 2. Project Manager s Report Melissa Chan 2014/2015 has been a year of changes within the DASH Club - after 13 years of dedicated service Project Manager, Rose Hitchon retired in December Losing that amount of experience was a challenge however she continues to provide invaluable support when needed. We wish her every success in her new ventures! I have joined the Club at an exciting time with new challenges and new beginnings ahead; the Board of the DASH Club has recognised that the service we offer required to be extended to include P7 s during their transition year and year olds to include former pupils. An amendment to our registration with the Care Inspectorate and Articles of Association has been completed to enable young people out-with Milton School to attend. This proactive approach also coincides well with the upcoming merger of Milton School with Ashcraig School, a secondary school in the East end of Glasgow for young people with physical disabilities. After the school merger in August 2015, some changes to the Club will occur - we continue to keep in touch with both Glasgow Education Services and the Head Teacher of Ashcraig School to fully determine what these changes will be. For our former pupils, we have successfully been awarded funding to run a pilot scheme for year olds and planning is underway to set up this new project. Successful partnership working is very important to any organisation and the DASH Club has strengthened its relationship with its partners over the year: I would like to thank North Area Transport Association (NATA), the Concrete Garden, New Rhythms for Glasgow, Glasgow Life, Glasgow CAN and Jobs and Business Glasgow. Also, none of this would be possible without the hard work of our dedicated team who have made this Club the success it is - a big Thank You to all the team, our funders, our partners and to our young people and parents. 3. Development Officer s Report Sean Stirling Since taking up my post in December as Development Officer, I have been supported by the board of directors, staff and parents who are all involved with the Club; I d like to thank them all. As the Club has went through a major change in the office management in terms of Melissa and myself taking up post, maintaining the level of professionalism and dedication it takes to keep the sterling reputation that DASH has had over the years was my main objective, for that, I must say a huge thank you to Rose and Brian for leaving the Club in such great stable state to make our new transitions as easy as possible and also for their continued support should I need any assistance with queries I come across. Since taking over, stability was my main concern for the Club with the office changes as Melissa and I had never met and came from different working backgrounds, it was important we could work well at our own posts but more importantly as a team (which has been successful). Through-out these last five months we have met various potential new partners, been on finance and budget courses, networking events and met various partners we already have to continue to keep the strong bonds we have gained. Furthermore, we again secured and had a successful Easter programme with 24 young people accessing the 3 day programme. Our funding application for the Explore Arts Awards, along with a member of staff being trained to become an arts award facilitator, was accepted and started on 10 th March 2015 with 5 attendees.

6 4. Background The DASH Club, previously known as Milton Kids DASH Club was founded in 1999 to give the young people of Milton School a school for young people (11-18yrs) with complex needs the opportunity to access a programme of initiatives designed to develop them both physically and culturally. The legal status of the Club changed in 2010 when it became a company limited by guarantee. The new company changed their name to become The DASH Club and began trading on 30 th November The aims of the Club however remained the same - to promote health, wellbeing, social skills and selfconfidence. With the support of trained staff our young people are encouraged to choose and participate in a wide range of activities designed to maximize their potential whilst allowing them to have fun. 5. Quality and Standards The DASH Club is very proud of their achievements over the years and has gained a reputation for good practice. We are committed to providing a service which allows our young people to have fun with their friends in a safe and caring environment Care Inspectorate The Club is registered with Social Care and Social Work Improvement Scotland (SCSWIS) everyday name Care Inspectorate formally the Care Commission and the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC). On 3 rd March 2015 the Care Inspectorate carried out an unannounced inspection. We are extremely proud of the grades awarded by the inspectorate:- Quality of Service 5 Very Good Quality of Environment 5 Very Good Quality of Staffing 5 Very Good Quality of Management & Leadership 5 Very Good 5.2. SSSC The DASH Club is registered with the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC). All promoted members of staff have completed their registration and have started working towards gaining the required qualifications to satisfy the requirements of the SSSC - 7 staff members have started their SVQ level 3 in Social and Health Care. In addition, registration of all support staff has been carried out in line with compulsory registration of key groups The DASH Club is registered with the Care Inspectorate under the Day Care of Children, falls into this category Training A trained workforce is crucial for the safety, development and success of any organization and we at the Club have a strong commitment to both on and off the job training. All staff members receive training in Child Protection, First Aid, Moving and Handling, Autism Awareness and the theory aspect of Escort Awareness. Experienced staff is trained in Crisis and Aggression Limitation Management (CALM) and are re accredited every year.

7 6. Achievements The Club aims to provide a safe environment in which our young people are encouraged to take part in a wide range of activities that challenges them and enable them to achieve to their full potential. 6.1.Sport Health promotion is an important part of our ethos. We offer a variety of activities including swimming, athletics, games, dance plus health and fitness. We also have a designated session of 10 pin bowling and under the guidance of trained coaches we encourage our young people to stay fit whilst having fun. 6.2.Drama Research shows that drama has a positive effect on the physical, emotional, social and cognitive development of young people. Under the guidance of qualified drama specialists, during our drama sessions our young people use their imagination to create scenarios where, with the help of staff and fellow students, they can enter the magical world of make believe. After the success of working with Urbancroft Film in February 2014, we obtained further funding and were able to work with them again in December 2014 on film projects titled Water and Air where our young people interacted with the elements. 6.3.Art This year the Club has worked in partnership with The Concrete Garden a local project promoting healthy living in one of the Glasgow s most deprived areas. Working with a very talented art specialist our young people have created works of art using recycled materials and created t-shirt printing. This has been an on-going partnership for a few years now and it continues to flourish, provide great fun and enables the young people s artistic side to grow.

8 Due to the success of last year s Discover Arts Award, we are also working in partnership with Project Ability, only this time, five of our Club members are now doing the Explore Art Awards. This is the next level up from what they completed last year, enabling them to showcase their artistic side on a higher level and further develop their interpersonal skills with the display of their work and a recognised certificate on completion Aromatherapy Over the years we have kept our long term working partnership with Jean Morrison of The Ripple Effect. She provides some much needed relaxation, stress relief and massage for our members. Accompannied by oils, music and soft lighting, this creates a great relaxing atmosphere that even the staff jokingly ask can they have a turn!!

9 7. The Team There is no doubt that the DASH Club could not flourish without the dedication and hard work of our staff. Over and above their commitment to our young people they have fundraised by running 10K s and 6 brave souls completed Tough Mudder and raised a staggering 1,600! Again this year, the team are looking at raising funds by participating in 5/10K health runs, Tough Mudder & Pretty Mudder and also looking at holding a quiz night later in the year with various games and raffles through-out a fun filled evening. Mobility Solutions has sponsored brand new t-shirts and hoodies for the DASH Club staff to be worn when they are out and about. With many trips being made between schools and places such as Springburn Leisure Centre, Hollywood bowling and Possilpoint Community Centre to name a few, the new clothing will help increase visibility of staff for our members and promote our services out in the community.

10 9. Keep in touch Please visit our user friendly website at and follow us on Facebook for all the latest news and announcements. Our young people enjoying a day out at Blair Drummond Safari Park during our Easter Programme.

11 Thank You TT Thank you to all our financial backers whose support allowed us to deliver a quality service to all our young people. We work in close partnership with Milton School and wish to express our thanks to all their staff for their continued support and assistance throughout the year. Our longstanding contract with NATA (North Area Transport Association), who provide us with necessary adapted buses has helped to ensure that our young people were transported home safely at the end of Club sessions. Thanks to all the professional specialists and therapists who have worked with our staff and young people to deliver a service in their areas of expertise. We also wish to extend our thanks to the staff at Barmulloch Community Centre and Possilpoint Community Centre for the welcome they extend to both staff and our young people on a weekly basis. Finally, thank you to all our staff for their hard work, dedication and commitment to maintaining and improving the quality of service to our young people, and to the members of our Management Board who provide their time, support and expertise, vital to the existence of the Club.

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